CHAARG Q & A

CHAARG Exec Team, Summer 2017

Since the autumn of 2014, I have been a part of an organization called CHAARG. When I say that joining this organization was the best thing I could’ve done during my college career, it is no exaggeration. I was able to become a stronger woman and empower other women to find their fit, too.

CHAARG is a relatively new organization and a lot of people are unfamiliar with what it’s about, so I wanted to explain it here by answering some FAQs:

1). What is CHAARG?

The short answer is that CHAARG is an acronym for changing health attitudes and actions to recreate girls. But what does that mean? CHAARG was founded on the principle that young collegiate women should not be confined to the elliptical when they exercise, but instead feel comfortable (and confident!) trying many different workouts— such as lifting weights, practicing aerial yoga, boxing, and running races. Exercise can and should be something enjoyable, challenging, and rewarding.

CHAARG is currently at 50 universities nationwide, with 8,000 total members. At each university chapter, an Exec Team plans and coordinates a term full of studio spotlights, small group meetings, socials, and other meet-ups. Members are able to try a variety of different workouts at each of the events, but are also able to spend time forming true friendships with other girls.

Yoga on the Quad, 2015

2.) How did I get involved with CHAARG?

During the autumn quarter of my freshman year of college, one of my professors assigned a paper that required us to attend the Involvement Fair. Going to the Involvement Fair alone? To talk to people I didn’t know? My introverted heart couldn’t take it. I wanted to be in-and-out as quickly as possible.

So, I quickly rushed around the busy Quad until I stumbled upon a table surrounded by girls in bright-colored workout clothes. They drew me in with a sparkly poster board and fruit snacks. They were the kindest girls that I have ever met, and they wanted to tell me about their new organization on campus called CHAARG. Although I was never considered to be a particularly good athlete growing up, the girls encouraged me to write my name down and come to the first information session. They reassured me that no fitness experience was required or expected.

I remember walking away that day feeling so hopeful. I knew CHAARG was something that I wanted to be involved in. These women were confident, kind, and athletic! If nothing else, it would be an amazing way to make friends (which as a freshman in college, was something I felt that I was in desperate need of!).

Since then, I have been an active member of CHAARG and during my sophomore year I went on to become the Executive Secretary at DePaul, a position I still hold today. That’s right, the same sweaty-palmed, nervous girl who raced around the Involvement Year only a year prior, would be there the following year, only this time on the other side of the table.

Title Boxing, 2014

3). What does CHAARG mean to me?

Well, for one thing, it definitely means getting sweaty! The workouts we’ve done over the years have varied from hot yoga to high intensity interval training sessions. I have also completed eight competitive races on my own—which is quite a feat for a girl who walked during every cross-country meet in fifth grade!

However, it means so much more. I finally feel confident in my body, and am no longer defined by the scale. I now have a healthy relationship with food--it turns out that you can have your cake and eat your veggies, too. Through CHAARG I have gained true friendships, and I know that a chapter of 100 girls at DePaul will always have my back. I now have leadership skills that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. I now possess the motivation to tackle any challenges that are thrown my way—whether that means conquering a new workout, overcoming a personal challenge, or succeeding in professional endeavors. To me, CHAARG means balance, perseverance, goal setting, and, most importantly, self-love.

Meet the Exec, Oz Park 2016

I am so thankful that I took a leap of faith and joined CHAARG my freshman year, and I am so happy to look back on the past three years and recognize how far I’ve come because of CHAARG. I feel so fortunate, so thankful, so blessed.

Keep buzzing,

+ Aub